Page 224 - DAIS Insignia 2021-2022

A Mysterious Phone Call
IX A
“A world of its own”
Imagination is a truly beautiful thing,
allowing us to think of whole worlds - maybe
an imaginary one with dragons and aliens, or
simply one where we have every desire
fulfilled. It's something everyone should
come to love about themself. The simple fact
that we have the ability to change our
perspective and see the reality as a
completely new world of its own is powerful.
Roli Mohanka
Magic
The lingering orange glow was obliterated as the yellow orb hung up
its boots for the day, ushering atramentous night with open arms. A
constellation of stars was nestled among the ocean of blackness. The
gleam of the pallid moon penetrated through the windows of my dull
room while I was burning the midnight oil, preparing for my terminal
exams, two days away. Due to other activities during the year, I had
not paid a lot of attention towards the exams. However, since they
were very close, I was starting to get anxious. A faint hoarse voice of a
T.V. reporter was coming from the living room, as my parents watched
the news. I could catch a few words such as, “The coronavirus disease
started spreading two months back.... There are over two thousand
cases reported in India....”. I was actually willing to listen to this
monotonous news report if it meant that I would not have to study.
My parents' approached me. I promptly looked back towards my
textbook to act like I was studying. As they entered, I could sense that
they had some bad news. Although their tone was despondent they
probably gave me the best news of my life, at least at that time I
thought they did....
“All schools have been shut down for twenty-one days, as the
government has declared a nationwide complete lockdown”. Said my
father. This meant that my examinations were cancelled! Although I
was cognizant that it was not a good thing that the coronavirus
disease was harmful, deadly and contagious, I couldn't help but feel
exhilarated. After all, I had twenty-one days of leisure and no exams!
Even nature seemed to be celebrating, as abruptly, the fleecy clouds
became obese and looked heavy. Torrents of rain kissed the
surroundings and quenched the thirst of parched Mother Nature,
making her appear lush green. This was truly MAGIC.
Jiana Shah
222
It was a chilly winter morning. The snow fell upon the
sloped roof of Mia's house. She stepped out of her
bedroom yawning and stretching her hands, welcomed by
the warm, sparkling fire in the fireplace. All of a sudden, her
phone started ringing. Glancing at it, she hesitantly, picked
up a call from an unknown number. “Um… hello?” in her
most timid voice. There was no answer. “Who is this?” Still
no answer. “Very well then,” she said as she contemplated
cutting the phone. Finally, a robotic voice answered, “Is this
Mia Myers?” “Yes, this is she,” said Mia. The automated
voice continued, “You are to report to 52 Pivet Drive, Road
7 at 11 a.m. this morning.” There was a long pause. “It is
absolutely essential for you to arrive or else…” Mia was not
able to decipher what the voice was saying as there was a
lot of disturbance and it was extremely unclear. She opened
her lips to answer but the call was cut and followed by a
long beep. Completely confused, Mia did not know what
to do.
At 10:30 a.m., she covered herself in her faux bearskin
coat and slipped on her black boots. She decided to
embark on this adventure and pay a short visit to Pivet
Drive. As soon as she stepped out of her house, a chill ran
through her spine. It was freezing cold! However, the MYEISHAA CHHABLANI
festive season brightened her mood and she smiled
seeing the singers singing melodious carols. As the pure
white snow crunched beneath her feet, she took in a
deep breath and inhaled the smell of Christmas in
London.
A letter that would never reach
10:55 a.m. Mia reached the required destination.
Nervously, peering around to see if she could find anyone If I had a minute more,
else. Suddenly, a black van approached her. A man I'd make sure it never passed,
stepped out clothed in black from head to toe, wearing a Wouldn't waste a moment,
black mask. Mia squinted through her eyes to make out For I'd know it'd be the last,
I'd take back every horrid thing I said,
who this person was. But, he suddenly clasped her hands
Every fight, each pointless tiff,
harshly.
Everything I did then that I now regret,
Mia struggled, trying to free herself from their grip. The But I could only do that if,
person then said, in an automated voice, “Do not resist. If I had just one more dance,
You will only hurt yourself and that is not what I intend to I'd play a song that lasts forever,
do.” Being the calm person she was, Mia obeyed and If I had just one more chance,
found herself being pulled into the black van. I'd never need another one, ever
I'd fill your room with flowers,
She opened her eyes and saw the person. He had
Paint a garden on your walls,
chestnut brown hair, deep blue eyes and a sorrowful
I wouldn't allow your final hours,
expression on his face. “I am sorry that I had to do this,”
he said, no longer in the robotic voice. “Do you trust I would decline if heaven calls,
me?” Before Mia could say anything, he went on, “What If I had just one more laugh,
I'd make sure the jokes never stop,
I did was for your safety. You see, a few people I know are I'd wrap you in your black sequins scarf,
not doing very well. They resort to… to… well, the I'd make it so you wouldn't be looking down from on top,
extremist means. They were going to target your house
If I had just one more episode,
next. After they finish the job, they…” The stranger was We'd be the show- just you and me,
cut off by a notification from Mia's phone. “Alert! Manor
A better ending for you is the least we can afford,
House, Road 3 On Fire! Please evacuate immediately,” it But, I'm telling you, you deserved the grandest finale,
cried out. Teary-eyed, Mia stared into the man's eyes. Please, if you give me one more minute,
“Thank you,” she whispered. With a sly grin on his face, One more 'tick' on the clock,
he put on his mask, flung off the lid of a bottle that had a If I could write a speech that's only fit,
label that read “Do Not Use” and let its contents spread I'd start but I'd never stop,
throughout the van. The gas made Mia drift off into a But it's just wishful thinking,
To bring you back, nothing's ever enough,
deep slumber. “This is why mommy and daddy told you So, I sit alone by your bed, still singing,
to never trust strangers. Oh, gullible little girl,” said the Wearing your black sequins scarf.
man in a soft voice. He drove off.
Crista D'souza
Nastassia Bokdawala
223